Are you suffering from tennis elbow? If so, surgery may be an option for fixing your injury. Surgery is a common and successful treatment for tennis elbow, and can help relieve pain, restore range of motion and get you back to playing the sport you love. Before making a decision about surgery, it’s important to understand the types of surgery available, their benefits and risks, as well as the recovery process. In this article we will discuss how to fix tennis elbow with surgery.
Types of Surgery
If you’re looking into treatment options, surgery may be worth exploring – let’s take a look at the different types available. When it comes to treating tennis elbow, there are two main surgical options: open release surgery and arthroscopic release surgery. Open release surgery involves making an incision in the affected arm to gain direct access to the elbow muscles and tendons. The surgeon will then cut or detach the damaged tendon from its attachment site with a scalpel or other instruments. Arthroscopic release surgery uses an arthroscope (a small camera) inserted through a tiny incision near your elbow joint that allows the surgeon to assess any damage inside your joint without having to make a large incision. This type of procedure is less invasive and has a quicker recovery time compared to open release surgery.
It’s important for anyone considering either of these surgeries that pre-surgical tests are performed first, such as imaging scans and blood tests, in order to create an accurate diagnosis and determine if this option is best for you. If these tests show that your condition isn’t severe enough for surgical intervention or if your doctor recommends non-surgical options such as physical therapy instead of surgery, then you should explore these before opting for one of the above procedures.
No matter which treatment path you choose, it’s important to speak with your doctor before making any decisions about how best to treat tennis elbow. Your doctor can provide more information on both surgical and non-surgical approaches so that you can make an informed decision on which one is right for you.
Benefits and Risks of Surgery
Surgery is a big decision, and it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making your choice. When it comes to treating tennis elbow, surgery can be beneficial if alternative treatments have failed. Surgery may involve pre-operative testing such as x-rays or an MRI to identify the extent of the damage and determine the best way to repair it.
The main benefit of undergoing surgery for tennis elbow is that it can provide long-term relief from pain and restore normal mobility. Surgery often results in stronger muscles around the affected area, which can help prevent future episodes of pain or injury. Additionally, in some cases, surgery may be able to reduce scar tissue formation and improve range of motion in the joint affected by tennis elbow.
However, there are some risks associated with this type of procedure. These include infection at the surgical site, excessive bleeding during or after surgery, nerve damage due to incorrect placement of incisions or stitches, blood clots forming in veins near the operation site, and even possible recurrence of symptoms if proper rehabilitation isn’t followed post-surgery. It is also important to note that recovery time following surgery for tennis elbow can take several weeks or months depending on individual circumstances.
Before deciding whether surgery is right for you, talk with your doctor about all other options available for treating your condition as well as any potential risks associated with this type of procedure so you can make an informed decision about your care plan.
Recovery Process
After undergoing surgery, you may need to take certain steps to ensure a successful recovery and get back to your everyday activities. Exercise therapy and physical therapy are key components in the healing process for tennis elbow. After surgery, you should follow any instructions given by your doctor or physical therapist about exercising and stretching the affected area. It is important that you keep up with this exercise routine even after the pain has subsided so as to prevent a recurrence of the condition.
Your doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium to relieve pain and swelling during recovery. Additionally, cold compresses can be used to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from discomfort. You will likely find that using heat helps loosen tight muscles in the affected arm, which can aid in overall recovery.
It is important that you take it easy for a few weeks following surgery; avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity until cleared by your doctor or surgeon. If done properly, a full recovery from tennis elbow surgery can be expected within 6-8 months with no long term effects on your daily life.
Preparing for Surgery
Before your procedure, it’s important to take the necessary steps to make sure you’re prepared for a successful surgery. This includes medication management and getting pre-operative testing done. Your doctor will provide you with a list of medications that must be taken before the procedure, as well as those that should be avoided prior to surgery. Depending on the type of surgery, this may include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins or herbal supplements. Make sure to get any necessary pre-operative tests done such as blood tests and x-rays if required by your doctor. These tests help determine whether it is safe for you to undergo surgery and check for any underlying health issues that could affect the outcome of your procedure.
In addition to medication management and pre-operative testing, it’s also essential that you follow your doctor’s instructions closely when preparing for surgery. This can include changes in diet such as avoiding certain foods or drinks before the operation or stopping smoking if needed. In some cases, physical therapy may be recommended in order to increase strength and flexibility prior to an operation. You should also plan for someone else to take care of your daily activities during recovery time after the surgery is complete so you can focus on rest and healing properly from the procedure.
It is essential that all these steps are taken in order for a successful surgical outcome with minimal complications afterwards. If there are any questions or concerns about preparing for tennis elbow surgery, make sure they are addressed with your doctor beforehand so they can provide further guidance on how best to prepare yourself medically leading up to the operation day itself.
Post-Surgery Care
Now that your procedure is behind you, it’s time to focus on the post-surgical care needed for a successful recovery. Pain management and lifestyle changes are essential to helping your body heal from surgery, as well as reducing the risk of complications. After surgery, your doctor will likely prescribe medications for pain relief and advise you on how to limit activity in order to give your elbow time to heal properly.
It is important after surgery to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and take all prescribed medications according to their advice. You should also adjust any activities in order to minimize strain on the surgical site while allowing some movement so that muscles do not become weak or stiff during the healing process. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy sessions once healing has progressed sufficiently in order to help strengthen the affected muscles and improve range of motion.
When recovering from tennis elbow surgery, it is crucial that you pay attention to any signs of infection such as redness or swelling around the surgical site, fever or chills, increased pain at the site, drainage from incisions or tenderness around them. If any of these symptoms occur contact your doctor immediately since they may indicate an infection requiring further treatment. With proper post-surgery care and following your physician’s instructions, you can expect a full recovery from tennis elbow surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the surgery painful?
If you are considering surgery for your tennis elbow, the most important thing to know is that the procedure may be painful. However, there are several methods to help reduce pain levels during and after the surgery. You can ask your doctor about preparation tips such as taking a mild pain reliever or applying a numbing cream prior to the procedure. Additionally, some doctors use regional anesthesia during the operation to minimize discomfort experienced during the surgery.
Does insurance cover the cost of the surgery?
The cost of surgery to treat tennis elbow may vary depending on your insurance coverage, but you can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. If you have health insurance, it is likely that the costs associated with a surgical procedure for tennis elbow will be covered in full or partially. However, it is important to contact your health insurer and get cost estimates for specific rehab programs before scheduling any surgery.
Are there any non-surgical alternatives for treating Tennis Elbow?
You may be able to reduce your symptoms of tennis elbow without resorting to surgery. Stretching exercises are a great way to relieve pain and discomfort associated with tennis elbow, as well as improve mobility and flexibility in the affected area. Physical therapy can also be beneficial in strengthening the muscles used while playing tennis. Additionally, icing the affected area after playing can help reduce inflammation and swelling. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin may also help ease pain and discomfort caused by tennis elbow.
How long does the recovery process take?
Recovering from tennis elbow surgery can be a long process that requires post operative care and physical therapy. Depending on the severity of your condition, recovery time for full function can range from several weeks to months. Post-operative care typically includes rest, icing, elevation, and anti-inflammatory medication or injections. After the initial healing period is over, physical therapy may be recommended to help you regain strength and flexibility in your affected arm and elbow joint. The length of treatment will depend on how well you respond to treatment and your desired level of activity.
Will I be able to play sports after the surgery?
If you’re considering surgery to treat your tennis elbow, you may be wondering if you’ll be able to play sports after the procedure. The answer is yes! Following your post-operative care instructions is key for long term effects. With proper rest and physical therapy, many patients are able to return to their previous athletic activity without any issues.
Conclusion
You’ve now learned about how to fix tennis elbow with surgery. Surgery can be an effective way to reduce pain and restore movement, but it is important that you understand the risks associated with it. Make sure you talk with your doctor to decide if surgery is right for you and discuss all of the details involved in recovery. With proper preparation and post-surgery care, you can have a successful outcome from your surgery and get back on the court in no time.
